Las Vegas began as a desert railroad stop before casinos, neon, and mid-century showmanship transformed it into America’s playground. Today it’s equal parts spectacle and sophistication: Michelin-starred dining lives beside vintage neon, immersive art beside classic Rat Pack glamour. You’ll experience both the glittering Strip and the authentic local scene beyond it.

Beyond the slots, Las Vegas is a gateway to the American Southwest. Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, and Grand Canyon West are within a day’s reach, offering red-rock hikes, canyon overlooks, and storied engineering feats. It’s a rare city where you can kayak emerald waters by morning and catch a world-class show by night.

Practical notes: Spring and fall are ideal; summers are hot—carry water, sunscreen, and a hat. Rideshare is abundant, the Deuce bus runs the Strip 24/7, and many resorts charge parking and resort fees. Book headline shows and popular restaurants in advance, especially on weekends and during big events.

Las Vegas

Welcome to the Strip, where mega-resorts stage fountains, botanical conservatories, and sky-high wheel rides. Don’t miss Bellagio Fountains and Conservatory, the LINQ High Roller, the Venetian’s Grand Canal, and the architectural drama of The Sphere’s “Postcard from Earth.” Step off-Strip to find the Arts District’s murals, cafés, and craft breweries, and downtown’s Mob Museum, Neon Museum, and the electric Fremont Street canopy.

Food is a headline act. From Chinatown’s late-night Japanese grills and handmade noodles to celebrity-chef temples, you’ll dine extremely well. Try Lotus of Siam (Northern Thai), Raku (Japanese charcoal grill), Partage (modern French tasting), Best Friend (Korean-Californian), Din Tai Fung (xiao long bao), Eataly (Italian hall), and the legendary Peppermill Fireside Lounge for retro Vegas vibes.

• Where to stay: For suite-style luxury and dining galore, choose The Venetian Resort on Hotels.com. For a central, good-value base with the High Roller next door, pick The LINQ Hotel + Experience on Hotels.com. Family-friendly budget with classic Midway fun: Circus Circus Hotel & Casino on Hotels.com. For tropical pools and easy access to Michael Jackson ONE, book Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Hotels.com.
• Compare more hotels: Hotels.com Las Vegas search and check furnished condos or homes on VRBO.
• Getting there: Fly into Harry Reid International (LAS). Compare fares and routes on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: LAX ~1 hour, DEN ~1.5 hours, ORD ~3.5 hours, JFK ~5 hours; domestic roundtrips often range $120–$450 depending on season.
• Getting around: The Deuce bus (2-hour ~$6; 24-hour ~$8) runs the Strip; the Las Vegas Monorail (single ride ~$6, day pass ~$15) zips behind east-Strip resorts. Rideshares from the airport to mid-Strip run ~$18–$30; bring cashless payment for taxis/rideshares.

Day 1 — Arrival, The Strip Icons, and a Fountain Finale

Afternoon: Arrive at LAS and check in. Shake off the flight with an easy stroll: Bellagio Conservatory’s seasonal floral art, then the Fountains of Bellagio (shows every 15–30 minutes). Coffee and an almond croissant at Bouchon Bakery (Venetian) or a pistachio latte at Eataly’s Lavazza (Park MGM).

Evening: Dinner with a view at Mon Ami Gabi (Paris; classic steak frites and onion soup on the patio facing the fountains) or Best Friend (Park MGM; Roy Choi’s Korean BBQ short rib and elote). Nightcaps: Skyfall Lounge (Delano) for sweeping Strip views or the moody, cocktail-forward Vesper Bar (The Cosmopolitan). If you’re energized, ride the High Roller just before 10 pm for peak neon.

Day 2 — Emerald Waters in the Morning, Downtown Classics by Night

Morning: Early start for a guided paddle on the Colorado River to the glowing Emerald Cave. It’s beginner-friendly, scenic, and a cool contrast to the city.

Book: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle (about 3 hours on the water; hotel shuttle option available). Pack water shoes, sunshirt, and a dry bag for your phone.

Afternoon: Refuel in Boulder City at The Coffee Cup Café (Southwest scrambles) or back in town at Eat. (DTLV; fluffy pancakes, truffled egg sandwich). Explore the Mob Museum (don’t miss the speakeasy in the basement) and the Neon Museum’s outdoor Boneyard for vintage signs—go before dusk for photos, after dark for the glow.

Evening: Fremont Street Experience comes alive with canopy light shows and buskers. Dinner at Le Thai (get the waterfall beef and spicy eggplant) or Pizza Rock (Sicilian “Grandma” slice and a deep beer list). Classic cocktails at Atomic Liquors, Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar, or rooftop views at Circa’s Legacy Club with a timed sunset reservation.

Day 3 — Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam Day Trip

Trade neon for epic geology on this all-day journey: floor-dropping viewpoints, eagle-shaped rock formations, and a dramatic Hoover Dam stop en route.

Book: Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop and Optional Lunch and Skywalk. Expect early hotel pickup, bus access to Eagle Point and Guano Point, optional Skywalk tickets, and a photo stop at the Dam. Bring layers—desert temps swing, and winds at the rim can be brisk.

Evening (back in Vegas): Keep it easy with comforting noodles at Shang Artisan Noodle (hand-pulled beef noodle soup, scallion pancakes) or tacos adobada at Tacos El Gordo (watch the trompo). If you have fuel left, consider “O” by Cirque du Soleil (Bellagio) for aquatic acrobatics—book ahead for the late show.

Day 4 — Arts District, Immersive Art, and a Night Helicopter Over the Strip

Morning: Sip a cortado at Vesta Coffee Roasters or Bungalow Coffee Co. in the Arts District. Wander street murals, then visit local makers at The Arts Factory. If you enjoy craft beer, sample flights at Able Baker Brewing (atomic duck motif, solid IPAs) or Nevada Brew Works (pizza and lagers).

Afternoon: Head to AREA15 for immersive play. Omega Mart’s surreal “supermarket” is a favorite; also check out Wink World’s kaleidoscopes or zipline indoors. Late lunch at Miznon (Venetian; world-famous pita with steak and tahini or roasted cauliflower) or Eataly’s La Pizza e La Pasta (Neapolitan pies, spritzes).

Evening: Experience the Strip from the sky—an absolute Vegas memory-maker.

Book: Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight Tour with Optional Dinner (10–12 minutes over the Strip; roundtrip transfers typically included). Pre- or post-flight dinner: Din Tai Fung (Aria; soup dumplings and chili crisp cucumbers) or Delilah (Wynn; supper-club glamour—book well in advance).

Day 5 — Valley of Fire, Pool Time, and a Show

Morning: Escape to fiery red sandstone and whispering slot canyons. This small-group tour hits photogenic arches, petroglyphs, and sweeping vistas without the crowds.

Book: Small Group: Valley of Fire Half Day Tour. Wear grippy shoes, bring at least 1–2 liters of water, and a sunhat. Expect roughly 5–6 hours door-to-door.

Afternoon: Recover by the pool—Mandalay Bay’s sandy beach or the Venetian’s multi-deck pools are a treat. Spa options: Canyon Ranch (Venetian) or Sahra Spa (Cosmopolitan). Late lunch at Lotus of Siam (Northern Thai—garlic prawns, crispy rice, and khao soi) or Partage (elegant tasting menu; reserve).

Evening: Show night. Choose “KÀ” (MGM Grand) for gravity-defying battle scenes or “Michael Jackson ONE” (Mandalay Bay) for dazzling choreography. Post-show drinks at BrewDog’s Strip rooftop (craft taps and stadium views) or The Chandelier (Cosmopolitan) for a sparkling cocktail den.

Day 6 — Slow Morning, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast: Sadelle’s (Bellagio; sticky buns, smoked salmon tower), Eggslut (Cosmopolitan; Fairfax sandwich), or Hash House A Go Go (hearty “twisted farm food”). Last-minute browsing at the Forum Shops (Ceasar’s) or the Grand Canal Shoppes—grab gelato and people-watch by the “canals.”

Afternoon: Squeeze in one more spectacle—The Sphere’s “Postcard from Earth” matinee if timing permits—or simply enjoy one final lap of the Strip. Depart for the airport; rideshare pickups are well signed at each resort. If you’d like help with flights, compare options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Alternative/Bonus Picks (Swap as You Like)

• Buffet blowout: Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars) or The Buffet at Wynn for premium seafood and global stations.
• Retro Vegas: The Neon Museum night tour followed by a lounge seat at the Peppermill’s fire pit.
• Photo op: Seven Magic Mountains, a quick desert detour south of town—best at golden hour.

Quick Dining Map (by area):

• Strip: Mon Ami Gabi, Best Friend, Eataly, Din Tai Fung, The Mayfair Supper Club (dress up), Secret Pizza (late-night slice).
• Downtown: Le Thai, Pizza Rock, Carson Kitchen (American comfort with a twist), 8 East at Circa (pan-Asian).
• Chinatown: Raku (yakitori), Partage (tasting menus), China Mama (soup dumplings), Shang Artisan Noodle (hand-pulled).
• Arts District: Makers & Finders (Latin brunch), Bungalow Coffee Co., Esther’s Kitchen (house-made pastas; new larger location thriving).

For lodging, compare availability and deals here: Hotels.com Las Vegas or browse condos/houses on VRBO. Luxury pick: The Venetian Resort book here. Central value: The LINQ Hotel + Experience book here. Budget-friendly: Circus Circus book here. Pool paradise: Mandalay Bay book here.

Las Vegas rewards curiosity. By day, it’s art walks, desert hikes, and river caves; by night, it’s skyline flights, fountain ballets, and headline productions. This 6-day itinerary gives you both the spectacle and the soul—leaving room for serendipity under the neon glow.